City of Oslo

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Oslo is going electric! The mobility sector is the main source of emissions in Oslo. Introducing green mobility solutions is thus essential for Oslo to reach its goal of becoming a zero emission city by 2030. Today, Oslo is not only the electric vehicle capital of the world; the city has become a laboratory for the testing of new electric solutions: on building sites, in public transport, in the port, on ferries and on bike.

Electric vehicles

In the first quarter of 2019, 71 % of all new cars sold in Oslo were electric vehicles (EVs). In total, one in five private cars in Oslo is electric. The EV policies in Oslo have contributed to creating a market for EVs internationally. The national authorities made EVs cheap to buy, while the city authorities made them easy to use through a series of incentives, such as: free parking in the city centre, access to taxi lanes, free toll ring, a rapidly developing free public charging infrastructure and grants to install private chargers.

Trond Sømme was the first taxi owner in Oslo to go electric, as early as in 2012, when access to charging was still an issue and his colleagues were still sceptical. (Photo: Hampus Lundgren)

The ferries to Nesodden, the most travelled passenger ferry route in Norway, will have electric propulsion by the end of 2019. (Photo: Birgitte Heneide/Ruter)

Public transport

As one of the first cities in the world, Oslo’s public transport system will become emission free by 2028. 90 % of the public transport company Ruter’s emissions come from buses. In 2019, Ruter is introducing 70 new electric buses in the capital, bringing the total up to 76. Ferries account for 10 % of Ruter’s emissions. During the course of 2019, all 3 ferries operating the Oslo-Nesodden route will be converted to electric propulsion. By 2021, all ferries serving the fjord Islands will also be electric.

City of Oslo

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Construction machinery

One third of all transport related emissions actually come from construction machinery. Oslo is taking an international lead, working together with the construction industry to achieve fossil free, and eventually emission free, construction sites. Through using its purchasing power, Oslo contributes to creating a market and speed up the transition to zero-emission construction vehicles.

Veidekke has bought the world’s first, large electric excavator in Europe – a 25 tonnes Caterpillar 323F Z line (Zero emission), developed by Pon Equipment in Norway. It will be used in building sites in Oslo. (Photo: Veidekke)

Shore-based electricity

When ships are berthed, they need power for lighting, ventilation, heating and the operation of technical installations. Traditionally, the power comes from fossil-powered generators on board. To reduce emissions from shipping, Oslo Port provides shore-based electrical power from the onshore, hydro-powered grid. By 2020, all ferries going from Oslo to Germany and Denmark will be using shore-based power.

Oslo has also initiated a common agreement on 14 measures for a more environmentally friendly cruise business in all Norwegian waters. One example is that by 2025, all cruise ships must use shore-based electricity when berthed in the capital and in other Norwegian ports.

Electric cargo and utility transport

Cutting emissions from local cargo and utility transport is a priority. The zero emission technology has been lagging behind, but now larger electric vans are hitting the market. Oslo is working to increase the use of zero-emission vans through several incentives. For instance, professional utility vehicle owners can apply for grants to install chargers at home and at work. The City of Oslo is also using its procurement power to demand zero-emission vehicles for the delivery of goods and services to the municipality.

Saqi Ishaq is delivering office supplies and cleaning products to the City of Oslo. His employer, Maske, won a tender where the ability to provide zero-emission transport was a decisive factor. Oslo is increasingly using its purchasing power to boost the green shift in several areas. (Photo: Oda Hveem)

City of Oslo

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The electric mobility story of Oslo started 125 years ago: In 1894, Oslo got its first electric tram. And in 1966, Oslo got its first Metro line – a bold decision in what was still a small city. Today, the Metro is the backbone of Oslo’s public transport system. (Photo: Sporveien)

Developing charging infrastructure A highly developed charging network is an important key to Oslo’s successful transition to electric mobility. More than 1300 public chargers are placed all over the city to secure charging for people living in apartments, who do not have access to charging at home. Mobility hubs offer charging for commercial EVs during daytime and private charging overnight, as well as charging for MaaS (Moblity as a service) concepts. In the latter part of 2019, Oslo will develop inductive (wireless) charging for taxis. Oslo participates in several innovative network projects, some of them supported by the European Commission. The aim is to develop new technical solutions for charging and smart energy management systems.

Used batteries from electric cars are charged by solar cells on the roof of the famous Bislett Stadium in Oslo, storing energy for a rainy day. (Photo: Ellen Omland)

Benjamin Appiah from DB Schenker is one of the new “truck drivers” in Oslo. He has substituted his diesel powered van for a cargo bike. DB Schenker is part of the Business for Climate Network, cooperating with the City of Oslo to develop new solutions. (Photo: H. Lundgren)

Magnus G. Nielsen is a gardener at Vestre Cemetery in Oslo. His personal initiative has contributed to the electrification of the entire Agency for Cemeteries. Fossil-fuelled machinery has been substituted for electric versions. (Photo: Hampus Lundgren)

City of Oslo

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Oslo European Green Capital The European Commission awarded Oslo the prestigious title European Green Capital 2019 in fierce competition with 13 other cities. The award shows that Oslo is among the cities spearheading the green urban transition. Why Oslo won These are some of the reasons why Oslo won the competition to become European Green Capital: Oslo has one of the most ambitious climate strategies in the world, and has introduced a climate budget. Together, they constitute the road map to achieving our climate goals. Oslo has reduced car traffic, while simultaneously strengthening public transport and facilitating walking and bicycling. Oslo has succeeded in transforming waste into resources through an innovative and effective recycling system. Oslo has enhanced people’s access to recreational areas, green spaces, rivers and the fjord. Oslo has preserved its nature and biodiversity, in and around the city centre, through decades of massive urban development.

Oslo has reopened waterways that were lead through pipes as the city grew, enabling the city to better manage stormwater in the wake of more frequent and heavier rainfall – a measure that also provide people with new recreational areas and plants and animals with new habitats.

A role model to other cities Oslo and the cities of the world are growing fast. Cities account for the majority of emissions and strains on the climate and nature. That is why cities must grow in a smart manner. As European Green Capital 2019, the EU has given Oslo an important task: To be a role model and share our solutions with other cities. Through sharing, Oslo is also given an opportunity to learn. The European Green Capital award is just a beginning. Oslo will continue to strive to create a futureproof city which is better for all to live in.

A fast changing Oslo, seen from the urban farm Losæter in the city centre. (Photo: Clare Keogh/European Commission)

Press contact

Marianne Alfsen Head of Communications marianne.alfsen@byr.oslo.kommune.no +47 92 02 56 73 www.greencapital2019.no Follow us on Twitter – where we share news about Oslo’s green solutions: @GreenOslo2019